Cinco de Mayo: A misunderstood holiday worth celebrating

El Pasoans don't need a reason to party. But Cinco de Mayo is coming up. So if you're wondering how to drink up to the Mexican's army improbable victory over the French army in 1862, the bartenders at Born TX Raised on the East Side have some ideas.
Maria Cortes Gonzalez/El Paso Times

Many, however, may be less likely to understand the background and significance. It's not Mexico's independence day, as some think. Mexico celebrates Independence Day on Sept. 16.

For that matter, it's not even a major holiday south of the border. It's arguably a bigger deal for Americans, who celebrate the day as an occasion to eat Mexican food and take advantage of special offers on margaritas. Brad Plothow of Womply, a small business software provider, told USA TODAY Cinco de Mayo ranks ahead of Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day for restaurant revenue.

That's fine, experts say, but they caution that the day's popularity makes it easy to celebrate in culturally insensitive ways. Tensions can run high these days, anyway, because of the current climate toward immigration and President Trump's talk of a border wall. So when those who are not Mexican appropriate the holiday for commercial purposes, or do things like wear sombreros while celebrating, it can go against the grain more than ever.

Many on social media issued reminders against such behavior:

#CincoDeMayo is approaching, just a reminder that: 1. It is a fake, Americanized holiday that does not equate with the real Mexican Independence Day. And..2. Do not appropriate other cultures, it’s not a good look and is frankly racist and disrespectful.

Cinco de Mayo is actually a commemoration of the Mexican army's defeat of the invading French army, a much larger and well equipped force, at the Battle of Puebla. No racist costumes or caricatures of Mexicans were involved. Those parts came later thanks to the US!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date the Mexican army defeated France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. France, along with other European powers, had sent troops to Mexico demanding repayment of debt.

Is it necessary to know that to enjoy a cheap margarita? Not really, but a little history never hurt anyone. That said, and with the aforementioned caveats in mind, on to the deals.

There are actually too many special offerings at restaurants and bars to mention them all, though you can check out this story to get a good sampling. We'll also single out a couple of events worth considering:

Cinco de Mayo Pub Run: Here's a chance to get a jump on the holiday with a Thursday evening two-mile route that will include stops at Memphis Made Brewery, Railgarten and Slider Inn. The run will begin from Overton Square at 6 p.m. Bring an ID and beer money.

Cinco de Moe's 5K: From 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Moe's Southwest Grill at 3546 Walker Avenue will host a 5K run with taco stops on the route and margarita-flavored sports drinks. Participants will get a race T-shirt. For information or to register, go to the Start2Finish registration page.